2018 Nissan Navara Double Cab 2.5L VL (A) Review

In the Malaysian pickup truck market, models that balance household comfort and off-road practicality have always been a key focus of consumers—after all, many users need it to take their families on weekend getaways while also handling occasional light off-road or cargo transportation needs. The 2018 Nissan Navara Double Cab 2.5L VL (A), as a popular contender in this segment, focuses on key selling points such as comfortable tuning provided by the independent rear suspension, the explosive power of the 190PS diesel engine, and a level of equipment comparable to family cars. This time, through a real-life test drive, we aim to verify whether its "versatility" can truly meet the multi-scenario needs of most users.

From the exterior, the design of the Navara VL retains the toughness of a pickup truck while incorporating many refined details. The front features a large chrome-finished grille, paired with irregularly shaped LED daytime running lights, providing high recognizability. The side profile has straight lines, and the wheelbase reaches 3150mm, ensuring both rear passenger space and sufficient practicality of the cargo bed. The LED taillights at the rear echo the front design, and the rear bumper is adorned with chrome accents, ensuring it does not appear overly rugged. In terms of lighting configuration, it comes standard with automatic headlights and front fog lamps, which are convenient for daily use.

Once inside, the interior style leans toward the simplicity and practicality of a family car. The center console is made of soft-touch materials combined with silver trim, which may not feel luxurious but offers solid craftsmanship. The 7-inch infotainment screen supports Bluetooth connectivity, and the operating logic is straightforward, though the resolution is fairly average. The configuration includes notable highlights: the front row features dual-zone automatic air conditioning, and the rear row is equipped with independent air vents, ensuring the comfort of rear passengers during family trips. The driver's seat supports electric adjustment, allowing for a comfortable sitting position on long drives. The rear seats feature a "Tip-up base" design, which can be flipped up to expand rear storage space, making it convenient for placing large items. Additionally, keyless entry, a 6-speaker sound system, and a 220V power outlet enhance the convenience of everyday use.

The space performance is in line with the standards of mid-size pickups. The vehicle's dimensions are 5255mm/1850mm/1810mm (L/W/H) with a 3150mm wheelbase. The front-row headroom provides about a fist and two fingers of space, while the rear-row legroom offers approximately two fists of space, allowing passengers with a height of 175cm to sit comfortably without feeling cramped. As for storage, the door panel compartments can hold two large bottles of water; the central armrest box has enough depth, and there is also a hidden storage compartment under the rear seats, showcasing thoughtful design details.

In terms of power, the 2.5L turbocharged diesel engine delivers 190PS and 450N·m of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. While the power response during the initial start is not particularly aggressive, the turbo's intervention (around 2000rpm) provides a strong burst of power, with noticeable acceleration when stepping on the gas pedal. Maintaining a speed of 120km/h on the highway is also handled with ease. The four-wheel-drive system is simple to switch, and when switched to 4H mode on light off-road terrains (such as muddy or gravel roads), the vehicle's off-road capabilities are decent. However, when facing extreme road conditions, its positioning leans more towards "urban + light off-road," and tackling high-intensity off-road situations is not recommended.

In terms of handling, the independent rear suspension is its core advantage — compared to the traditional leaf-spring suspension of most pickup trucks, the Navara VL filters out vibrations more effectively when going over speed bumps or bumpy roads, resulting in a less noticeable bumpy feeling for rear passengers. The steering feel is relatively light, making daily urban driving very easy, and body roll is well-controlled in corners, so the high body size does not feel wobbly. Fuel consumption performance is average, with a combined fuel consumption of about 8.5L per 100 kilometers. The fuel tank capacity is 80L, giving it a range of around 900 kilometers, which means fewer fuel stops on long journeys.

In terms of driving comfort, the NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) control is relatively well optimized. At high speeds, wind and road noise are not too noticeable, and the diesel engine noise is slightly perceptible at idle but hardly affects in-cabin conversations when in motion. The seat support is commendable, ensuring that long drives do not cause back fatigue. The rear seat angles are also reasonably designed, so passengers won’t feel like they are sitting on "small stools."

To sum up, the core advantage of the 2018 Navara Double Cab 2.5L VL (A) lies in its "balance" — the comfort brought by independent rear suspension surpasses most pickups of the same class, and its power and features meet the dual needs of household use and light off-roading. The price (RM 123,888) is also considered a good value within the same segment. Compared to the Toyota Hilux, it excels in comfort; compared to the Ford Ranger, it offers richer features.

The target audience for this vehicle is clear: users who need the practicality of a pickup truck (cargo hauling, off-roading) but do not want to compromise on family comfort — such as outdoor enthusiasts who often travel with their families or small business owners who occasionally need to transport goods. If you’re looking for a pickup that is "more than just a workhorse," the Navara VL is a worthwhile option to consider.